The Talent Optimizer: Using Leadership and Analytics for an HR Advantage

The Talent Optimizer: Using Leadership and Analytics for an HR Advantage

From Honest HR by SHRM

April 14, 2026 · 30 min · Season 3 · Episode 37

About this episode

The episode discusses how HR can leverage leadership and analytics to optimize talent and drive business results.

HR has a bigger seat at the table than ever before, but with it comes the pressure to deliver measurable business results. Alex Alonso, SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, joins host Nicole Belyna, SHRM-SCP, to discuss the Talent Optimizer dimension of the HR Excellence Framework. Together, they explore how organizations can align talent strategy with business outcomes, close skills gaps, and leverage talent analytics to drive performance, engagement, and retention. This podcast is approved for .5 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. Listen to the complete episode to get your activity ID at the end. ID expires May 1, 2027. Subscribe to Honest HR to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/voegyz --- Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r

People in this episode

Host: Nicole Belyna

Guest: Alex Alonso

Topics covered

  • HR Excellence Framework
  • talent strategy
  • business outcomes
  • talent analytics
  • employee engagement
  • skills gaps

Keywords

  • HR
  • talent optimization
  • analytics
  • business results
  • employee retention
  • skills gaps
  • engagement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SHRM

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